282 kms from Bangalore

What’s in it for me?

• Treks, watefalls and safaris: Safaris at Wayanad lead you into the not-too-dense forest to sight deer, elephants, boars, sambars and the much speculated leopards. It’s a peaceful, not-too-wild looking forest that seems almost tame. Neverthless, safaris in the forest pack in their fair share of fun. Night safaris are particularly interesting, thought sighting animals is a bot more difficult.There are quite a few waterfalls in and around wayanad. We recommend the Chethalayam falls; not too big and just right for a quick dip. But be warned, it’s crowded! The trek upto the eddakal caves is an easy one that leads you into ancient, airy caves which now have iron stairs to make the climb into them easier. There are a lot of treks you can explore at Wayanad. Though walking along the winding hilly roads amidst lush green tea plantations is trekking enough!
• Driving around: Wayanad is not too big, neither is it too small. It offers immense possibility to those who enjoy drives. The best drives will take you up and down and all around the team plantations before bringing you back to where you started. It’s lovely to explore the region just before full-fledged monsoons.
•  The Chain Tree: Legend has it that during the British era there was a villager who helped the British enter Wayanad through a shortcut or a secret route. He helped them find spices in Wayanad before the Portuguese could. In return the British decided to kill the villager, lest he reveal the same route to the Portuguese. It’s believed that the villager’s spirit started to haunt that route and kill anyone who used it. After a lot of hardship, his spirit was captured and locked in a tree. This tree still stands in Wayanad today with a chain and lock around it which is believed to keep the spirit safely locked within. The tree is a must-see when you visit Wayanad. Ask any local for directions to the “Chain Tree”!

What about shelter?

There are too many homestays in Wayanad, so finding accomodation will not be a problem. We particularly recommend Wynberg Resorts in Vythri run by a gentleman named Vamshi. It’s hospitable and cosily tucked into a luxurious estate. The resort has cottages, tents and a tree house. It is a little bit on the expensive side. Per night, per person (inclusive of food)- Rs. 1500-1800 depending on the season. But you can be certain, it’s well worth the money.

How’s the grub?

You will end up eating all meals in the resort you stay at. Food at Wynberg was outstanding. From the traditional Kerala breakfast of Puttu (made of rice) to Fish Fry with coconut and the very tasty avial, meal times were very much awaited. Conversations about the history of Kerala, with the owner Vamshi, made meal times even more interesting. On the last day, when we had to leave early, they were nice enough to pack us a BIG lunch, complete with tissues and plastic spoons!

How much do I have to shell out for the trip?

You will hardly spend on anything beides the stay. So depending on the resort you’re staying at, calculate your expenditure. We spent about 5ooo per head for 3 days, inclusive of shopping for souveniers.

How do I get to Wayanad?

Driving to Wayanad from Bangalore is one of the easiest and best drives. So much so, we once reached Wayanad by mistake while trying to get to Masinagudi! It takes about 6 hours and is mostly plains, with very less uphill driving. There are buses, but a drive is definately more enjoyable.

 For lovers of the simple life!

What’s in it for me?

• Experience the forest: If you are going to Kudremukh, you must stay at the government guesthouse. It may not be easy to get a room in it, but it’s worth all the phone calls and applications. The guesthouse is in the middle of nowhere; a forest surrounded by rolling hills. Wild Bisons are a common sight and kerosene lamps are all you can see them by.
• Trek: Kudremukh has some of the most impressive trekking paths in the country! Trekking up to the horse face (Kudremukha) peak is an exhilarating experience! For those who love treks, it’s great. For those not used to long treks, it’s best avoided. There are lots of trekking paths, and almost all of them lead to breathtaking views.
• Loiter around aimlessly: Kudremukh is a very small town with hardly anything in it. There are a few shops and a couple of apartment complexes which once were full of people. After the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company shut down its factory in this little town, most people lost their jobs and left the town. Kudremukh wears the deserted look of a ghost town, straight out of a movie. It’s overwhelming to go a-wanderin’…and discover old abandoned buildings and once-full dams, now filled with what looks suspiciously like toxic waste.

 How’s the Grub?

At the government guest house, lives an old man who resembles your Ramu Kaka from the Ramsey Movies. He carries a Kerosene lamp and shows you the way to the kitchen. There he explains to you that he will cook for you (with firewood) anything that you buy from the market in town. So you need to buy literally everything, from cooking oil and eggs to vegetables and meat that you want to eat. He will even ask you in what style you want the food cooked, and will then cook it in the only way he knows how. In spite of the hard work and the long waiting period for the food to finally get to your plate…it tastes absolutely delicious. There’s nothing like food cooked on good old firewood!  

 What about Shelter?

Government guest house. Click on this link to start the process. There are resorts around Kudremukh, probably much more comfortable than living in the Government guesthouse. But the choice between adventurous living and a comfortable stay is completely up to you!

 How much do I have to shell out for the trip?

Staying in the Government guesthouse will save you a lot of money. It costs between Rs500-Rs1000 a day for a room/ cottage, depending on the time of the year and how much the official likes you. Resorts typically charge about 1500-2500 per head per day. A trip of three days should cost you roughly about Rs.5000.

 How do I get to Kudremukh?

 The drive is beautiful. It will take between 6-10 hours depending on your speed of driving. There are over night buses and day buses as well.

295 kms from Bangalore

What’s in it for me?

• Explore: Pondy is small enough to explore by foot. Even better, if you can hire a cycle and ride around. It’s an interesting little town that contradicts itself in many ways. The French colony by the seaside looks like a movie set, with its perfect little roads and tastefully done up homes. On the other side is a typically south Indian town with small chaotic roads and loud, colorful people!
• Shop: Pondy has something called a Sunday Bazaar, when the three main streets: Mahatma Gandhi road, Subhash Chandra Bose road and Nehru Street come alive with vendors all along the sidewalk selling everything from clothes to toothbrushes. You can get some of the best bargains in Pondy. Clothes (especially for women) are cheap and of decent quality. Scented candles and small fascinating things made of wood are popular buys as well. Pondy’s a great place for a makeover as a hippie!
• Visit the famous Auroville Global Village: Auroville is a fascinating place. It is built around the concept of an international village where people from across the globe and from different cultures come together and live in harmony with nature. In the center of Auroville is  an urne of marble shaped as a lotus flower. This houses a crystal ball containing sand brought from indian states and 175 countries around the world. The Matrimandir, ofcourse, is the highlight of Auroville. It’s a giant sphere made with golden plates and is a place of meditation.

What about Shelter?

Pondy has a few beach shacks on the East Coast Road. One can walk around the area and find accomodation. Some of them are run by foreginers and they tend to be a little suspicious of Indians. There are a lot of gueshouses in Pondy town as well, which are very resonably priced. Auroville has several guesthouses too. Information regarding booking is available on the Auroville site. Accomodation in Pondy can range from Rs.200 a night for a room, to Rs.5000 a night.

What about the grub?

Seafood, seafood and more seafood. It’s fresh and fantastic. Some of the best palces to eat are on the East Coast Road. Also try the India Coffee House on Jawaharlal Nehru Street. If you’re looking for a reasonable place to have a drink and enjoy the sea-view, head out to Hotel Ajantha on the roof top at Beach Road. There are numerous French cafes along the beach road and in little nooks and cranies of the French colony. Cycle around and discover the hidden treats!

How much do I have to shell out for the trip?

Staying at a reasonable guesthouse and splurging on food will cost you about Rs.3000-4000 for 3 days. Shopping will make you lose sight of your budget!

How do I get to Pondy?

Pondy is the most convenient place to get to from Bangalore. Take an overnight bus and you’ll be there in 7 hours. You can also drive to Pondy in about 5-8 hours depending on your car/ speed and the condition of roads at the time of the year. Roads are usually good but can get pretty bad during monsoons.

475 kms from Bangalore

What’s in it for me?

• Be a beach bum: Gokarna is one place where you can sit on the beach all day and all night with no one to bother you. Pick a shack that’s on the beach and build a good rapport with the chef. You’ll need nothing more!
• Trek: There are 4 beaches in Gokarna: Kudle, Om, Half Moon and Paradise. The trek from Kudle to Paradise and back is a tough one that’ll take you all day. It’s a good way to build an appetitie!
• Find yourself: The soothing sound of waves rising and falling, complete absence of traffic and city sounds, the clear open skies with a million stars and nothing but the ocean for company can make you reflect…think…and perhaps see the light!

What about shelter?

There are shacks lining the beach all through from Kudle to Om. Prices range from Rs.40 a night (off-season) to Rs.800 a night for a room. The Rs.40 room has no cots. Mattresses are laid upon a rough mud floor. Candles provide light at night, and the bathroom is made of 8 strong coconut tree branches. One must sing out loud to ensure no one else barges in while you’re in there. But the experience is truly one-of-a-kind! But don’t worry, the more you pay, the more comfortable your stay will get!

How’s the Grub?

Most shacks cater to the foreigners, so you can find a wide range of Italian, Continental, Chinese and Israeli food. The sea food is delicious; as fresh as it gets. In the really small shacks, you need to inform the chef what you’d like for dinner so he can go out into the sea and catch it! Almost all the shacks make excellent steaks. Indian food is prepared to suit the foreigners’ tastebuds so do not expect it to taste good.

How much do I have to shell out for the trip?

Gokarna is one of the most cheapest places to visit. You can actually get by on a budget of 1000 bucks for 3 days if you are willing to rough it up a bit. Staying is a fairly decent place and splurging on food will cost you about 3000 bucks on an average.

How do I get to Gokarna?

The best way is to take the night bus from Bangalore city bus stand. You’ll be there early next morning. There also exists a railway station, but the trains seem to perpetually be full! And don’t bother trying to fly to Goks!

380kms from Bangalore

What’s in it for me?

• Experience a rain forest:  Living in the Agumbe rain forest means respecting nature and learning to live in harmony with it. From leeches and ticks to wild boars and snakes, Agumbe is “alive” with wildlife. This is one of the densest forests in India, and being inside it, is an experience like no other. The thick canopy of trees can block out the sun entirely in some parts of the forest. At night, the darkness is absolute. Putting on a flashlight reveals hundreds of small glowing eyes looking at you from all directions. The forest houses hundreds of species of spiders, bugs and other insects.

• Learn about King Cobras: Inside the forest is the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station. This organization is one of the very few in the world, researching the King Cobra. Talking to the volunteers will reveal fascinating stories.  

• Visit Malgudi Days: The house in which Swamy of Malgudi Days lived still stands proud in Agumbe.
  R K Narayan’s Malgudi Days was filmed in the sleepy little hamlet of Agumbe. Today, the house is a tourist attraction and a guest house for visitors.

What about shelter?

The research center has limited accomodation, but is the best place to stay. There are no resorts within the forest but staying in Agumbe town is possible. There is one lodge and a few guest houses. Prices are very reasonable, ranging between Rs.300 – Rs. 1000 per room.

How’s the grub?

The food is nothing to write home about. It’s basic small town fare. If you are lucky enough to be staying at the research center, you will enjoy a variety of homely dishes like rotis, dal, fresh vegetables  from the farm and country chicken.

How much do I have to shell out for the trip?

You should be able to get by on a reasonable budget of Rs.3000-5000 for a 3-4 day trip. If you are staying in town, the cost will be even lower.

How do I get to Agumbe?

Overnight buses are both reliable and convenient to get to Agumbe Town. They leave Bangalore city bus stand at 10 and get to Agumbe at 6-7 in the morning. Agumbe town has only 2 autos. You can hire one of them to take you to the research center if you’re staying there.

480 kms from Bangalore

What’s in it for me?

• Adventure Sports: There’s rafting,  canoeing and kayaking on the river Kali. Rappeling off different rockfaces and small waterfalls. Jungle safaris and bird watching walks. Treks up and down hills; to breathtaking sunset and sunrise points and various bird and animal trails.
• Nature Lovers: The vast expanse of blue overhead is reason enough to visit Dandeli. Clear skies, white fluffy clouds and a calm river flowing beneath. And then there’s the green, orange, yellow, red and pink of the forest all around. Dandeli in summer and spring is a treat to the senses. The view from sunrise and sunset points overlooking the river are breathtaking.
• Stargazing: This alone can be a reason to visit Dandeli. The canopy of stars engulfs the forest in a glittering, silver blanket…best enjoyed sitting around a small bonfire.

What about shelter?

There are a handful of resorts in Dandeli. Definately try and stay inside the forest instead of the town. We recommend Old Magazine House Forest Camp. They have log huts that can accomodate upto 4 people each, and dormitories that work out cheaper but require you to share the bathroom with others.  The cost is per person, per day, inclusive of food. Log huts: Rs. 1400 to 1600 depending on the season. And the dorm costs: Rs.800-950.

How’s the grub?

Most resorts ensure they serve you really good food. Favourites being: Wood Over Pizza, Barbeques and Fresh Fish fry.

How much do I have to shell out for the trip?

A trip of 2 nights, 3 days will cost you between Rs.5000 to 7000 on the higher end. And 3000-5000 if you live a bit more frugally!

380 kms from Bangalore

What’s in it for me?

• Time travel: travel back 300 years in time and re-live history
• Be an explorer: Go walk amidst the ruins and poke your nose around. Hampi will inspire the photographer in you.
• Be a bum: You can rent a room by the lazy Thungabadra river and sit by the banks, sipping a beverage of your choice until…well…hmm..until the aliens from Mars take over the world?

What about shelter?

There are innumerable guest houses in Hampi. Alternately, you can go across the river in a small ferry and find guest houses which are by the riverside. A room will cost you between INR 200 – 800 per night depending on view from room, size, and cleanliness. There are big hotels and resorts to stay at as well, which will cost you INR 1500 upwards. During peak tourist season prices may soar to INR 800-1500 range across town.

We recommend: Shiva Café (400 per night)

How’s the grub?

Hampi is no connoisseur’s delight! But depending on the place you stay, your cook will decide your destiny. On side 1 of the river, visit Mango Tree, where almost everything is awesome. On side 2 of the river, build a good rapport with the cook of your guest house and hope for the best. Most menus have all kinds of cuisines ranging from Italian, to Chinese, to Indian and Continental, all thanks to the diverse tourists Hampi receives. You can also find typical south Indian ‘meals’ at small hotels around town.

How much do I have to shell out for the trip?

Hampi is pretty reasonable. Food will not exceed INR 500 a day (and that’s a higher end estimate).Stay will, on an average, cost you another 500 a day. Besides food and stay, you will spend a very nominal amount on entry and camera fees at certain historical sites (between INR 20 – 50). But shopping in Hampi is not cheap. You will be charged ‘tourist prices’ for almost anything you want to buy. But of course the better you bargain, the more you save. Over all, you will spend less than INR 5000 on a 3-4 day trip to Hampi.

How do I get to Hampi?

Close you eyes, count to three and really ‘think’ Hampi. And you’ll be teleported. Alternately, take an overnight bus from Bangalore. Most of the travel agencies have nightly buses to Hampi. You could also take an overnight train to Bellary which is 8 km from Hampi. There are several auto-rickshaws to transport you from Bellary to Hampi. To drive down to Hampi, take NH 4 upto Chitradurga, and then drive down NH 13 to Hospet. From there you can simply ask around and get to Hampi.

If you want to know anything more about Hampi, or have specific questions for which you haven’t found answers here, leave a comment and we’ll respond in 24 hours.